Osteoporosis is a disease of the bones in which the bone structure and tissue weaken significantly. This weakening can lead to extremely fragile bones that are highly susceptible to injury or fracture. With advanced osteoporosis, fractures can occur not only from trauma, such as a fall, but also from simple actions, such as sneezing or reaching for a glass in the cupboard. Current reports indicate that one out of every four men and one out of every two women will suffer an osteoporosis-related fracture sometime after their 50th birthday.
With an aging population, osteoporosis is becoming a household word. It is estimated that at least 10 million Americans are currently diagnosed with osteoporosis and 34 million classified as osteopenia or borderline osteoporosis. If you break this number down by gender, 80 percent are women and 20 percent are men.
Once thought of as a disease affecting primarily the female Caucasian population, other ethnic groups are starting to see an increase in the number of cases of osteoporosis. The African-American population has shown a strong increase in osteoporosis cases in both men and women. However, the most significant increase in the number of osteoporosis cases has been seen among Hispanic women over the age of 50. At least 10 percent have been diagnosed with osteoporosis, and another 49 percent are anticipated to be in the osteopenic or borderline stage.
Drinking milk or taking calcium supplements alone cannot slow or reverse the effects of osteoporosis. Lifestyle changes, such as smoking cessation and reduced alcohol consumption, can help lower the risks of developing the disease. Further risk reduction can be enhanced with increased exercise involving weight-bearing exercise, such as walking and weight lifting. Both of these forms of exercise cause healthful stress to the bone structure, which in turn promotes bone growth and strength.
As a team, a physician and physical therapist can design the best approach to treating or preventing osteoporosis with an appropriate diet and exercise program. This teamwork ensures the best individual and personalized care plan in which specific needs or concerns can be addressed.
There are many osteoporosis-related injuries for which physical therapy is the best choice of medical care. Some of the effects of osteoporosis, aside from fractures, that can be treated with physical therapy include:
- Postural changes (rounded shoulders or hunched back)
- Fall prevention and balance retraining
- Lumbar or spine stabilization
- Generalized weakness or deconditioning
- Decreased mobility or walking ability
- Decreased range of motion for neck or back
- Loss of independence with activities of daily living
A typical physical therapy program will include an initial evaluation performed by the physical therapist. After performing several strength, mobility and functional tests, an individualized exercise program will be designed that includes exercises for a home program. Additional visits to the physical therapy clinic will include specific exercises aimed at promoting bone health, mobility, strength and independence, as well as pain relief. Ongoing reassessments by the physical therapist will ensure optimal exercise tolerance and benefits for each individual, as well as promote appropriate bone health.
Golda Meir once said, “the dog that trots about finds a bone.” While running or trotting about may not be the optimal exercise for everyone, nor might it be everyone’s goal to find a new bone, getting up and exercising will provide some new bone growth, as well as a healthier, longer and more pain-free life.
Statistical information provided by the National Osteoporosis Foundation at www.nof.org. For more information, you may contact Heather Dacey, DPT, ATC, at Humpal Physical Therapy at 361-854-2278, ext. 117, or visit the website at humpalphysicaltherapy.com.
